Illinois’ Gordian knot: Pensions, insolvency and the ‘b word’
Illinois’ Gordian knot: Pensions, insolvency and the ‘b word’
If lawmakers continue to balk at building the tools necessary to reform pensions, bankruptcy will be the only way out for communities across the state.
By Austin Berg
Crowding out: Pension pressure leads to layoffs in Peoria
Crowding out: Pension pressure leads to layoffs in Peoria
The city of Peoria, Illinois sent layoff notices to 27 employees in an effort to fill a budget hole caused by growing pension costs.
By Adam Schuster
Rauner signs bill banning ticket quotas in Chicago
Rauner signs bill banning ticket quotas in Chicago
Chicago will no longer be exempted from a state law barring Illinois municipalities from imposing ticket quotas on local police departments.
Will lawmakers push per-mile driving tax in Illinois?
Will lawmakers push per-mile driving tax in Illinois?
Illinoisans already get hosed at the pump, but politicians are looking for new ways to soak drivers.
By Chris Lentino
Momentum builds for pardon of Peoria man who served 15 years for drug offense
Momentum builds for pardon of Peoria man who served 15 years for drug offense
Jason Spyres was arrested on drug charges nearly 20 years ago. In the years since, he’s been on a path of personal success and growth. A pardon from Gov. Bruce Rauner should follow.
Taxpayer-subsidized manufacturer shutters Illinois plant
Taxpayer-subsidized manufacturer shutters Illinois plant
Despite years of taxpayer subsidies, rail car manufacturer Nippon Sharyo has closed its Rochelle plant – pointing to a reality some politicians don’t want to face.
Rauner signs bill allowing medical marijuana alternative for opioid prescriptions
Rauner signs bill allowing medical marijuana alternative for opioid prescriptions
The Alternative to Opioids Act will give more Illinoisans the option to treat pain with medical marijuana.
By Vincent Caruso
Springfield taxpayers could see savings through township consolidation
Springfield taxpayers could see savings through township consolidation
A ballot question asking voters whether to eliminate Capital Township could bring savings to Springfield taxpayers – but that would just be one of many steps worth taking to lower Springfield’s high property taxes.
IRS moves to block Illinois lawmakers’ tax credit workaround scheme
IRS moves to block Illinois lawmakers’ tax credit workaround scheme
New IRS rules make clear that lowering the actual tax burden, not complicated workarounds, is the correct way to respond to tighter federal restrictions on SALT deductions.
By Adam Schuster
Mark Kucinick
Mark Kucinick
“My folks all came from small towns, Livingston and Benld. I was born in Belleville, raised in Collinsville. “Some people can pack up and leave as soon as they graduate from high school or college and never look back. Me and my wife were never like that. “This is our life. Our whole life, we’ve...
New Mexico stops deducting unconstitutional union fees from state employees
New Mexico stops deducting unconstitutional union fees from state employees
The state of New Mexico has taken steps to comply with the Janus v. AFSCME decision by stopping all union dues and fees until members sign new authorizations. Illinois should follow suit.
By Mailee Smith
Rauner vetoes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers statewide
Rauner vetoes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers statewide
Dictating teachers’ salaries from Springfield would impose a costly mandate on local school districts and expose struggling homeowners across the state to property tax hikes.
By Eddie Damstra